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| Rep. Mark Bryant and Lorraine Glowczak |
For those who
have been following my legislative “shadowing” series, you are aware it is my
intention to better inform myself of the procedures and daily activities during
this legislative session.
It is my hope
that by sharing my experiences, I can “bring” a visit to those who are unable
to travel to Augusta and watch their legislators in action. It is here I will
do my best to communicate the day to day policy-making intricacies of those we
elected to serve us in Augusta.
In the March 8
edition, I shared my first adventure with Rep. Sue Austin (Republican. District
67 that
includes portions of Gray, Raymond, Casco and all of Frye Island) and
then in the afternoon, I witnessed Rep. Fay in action (March 15 edition). It
was my first experience of observing committee work in action and the process
of creating a bill. “This is where the song, ‘I'm just a bill’ from
the old Saturday morning cartoons of the early 1970s comes in handy,” she said
to me as I shadowed her that afternoon.
The bill making process solidified itself as I followed
Rep. Mark Bryant (Democrat. Representing part of Windham) on Thursday, March
14.
My day with Rep. Bryant began at 12:30 p.m. as I sat in the
House gallery observing the various bills being considered and voted on for movement
to the Senate.
While sitting in the gallery trying to follow the
fast-moving parts of the House session, somehow – and much like the other
representatives I have visited thus far, Rep. Bryant took time to visit me away
from his seat downstairs to explain certain procedures that were occurring. I
have always admired our Windham and Raymond delegates for their acts of
civility, but the time they take to explain details to me without condescension,
pretention or arrogance, has deepened my appreciation for them.
The House session ended around 1:30 p.m. It was then that
Rep. Bryant and I moved across the State House where I got to witness the
public comment portion of the Transportation Committee, of which there were
many issues brought to the committee members’ attention. As we were walking to the
Transportation Committee room, I asked Rep. Bryant how legislators are
appointed to their committees. “Because I live near Route 302, River Road and
other major roads in the area that are well-traveled, I stated my interest and
was appointed.”
According
to maine.gov, “Most
legislators are assigned to one or more joint standing committees, which are
responsible for analyzing and making recommendations on bills, making periodic
evaluations of agency performance and structure, reviewing major agency rules
and reviewing certain gubernatorial appointments. Generally, a committee holds
a public hearing on each bill referred to it. Committee work sessions are held
after the hearing, and committee members vote on each bill. The vote on a bill
is a recommendation for final action that is reported to the full Legislature
for consideration. Legislative staff offices provide legislators and committees
with assistance in analyzing the bills and the potential policy, legal and
fiscal implications of enactment.”
As
stated, the members of the Transportation Committee heard many concerns from
constituents across the state, legislators as well as from the Maine Department
of Transportation on the day of my visit. Of the many issues brought to the
committee’s attention, there were two that deserve some consideration.
The
first issue was the LD 688 – the Bill to Resolve, Directing the Department of
Transportation to Convene a Work Group To Study Improving Traffic Safety for
Color-blind Drivers.
Although
there were many individuals who spoke to the committee about this bill on both
sides, an individual who is color-blind shared his personal experience.
“Imagine being a passenger in a car being driven by a color-blind person,” he
began. “You are likely to be asked, ‘what color is that light’ and before you
can figure out what the question is all about, you’re through the red light.”
The constituent further stated that he would be happy to assist a work and
study group with the Department of Transportation to focus on improving
designs, shapes and colors that would prove to be beneficial for all travelers.
Another
issue that may not seem important to towns with larger populations across the
state, but is an important issue for a small community that relies on tourism
for economic development is the bill LD 850 – Resolve, Directing the Department
of Transportation to Erect Signs on Interstate 95 to Island Falls.
Representative
Steven Stanley (Democrat representing EastMillinocket/ Medway/ Millinocket/Patten/ Herseytown
Township/ Long A/ Long A Township) asked the transportation committee to consider
a small Maine town community and what it has to offer tourists. “……every
vehicle passing Island Falls on I-95 is a lost opportunity for the town’s businesses.
If tourists saw a recreation sign, they would be more likely to get off at the
Island Falls exits and spend an afternoon enjoying Please Pond, some time on
the Mattawamkeag River, go to the Tingley House to rent an ATV for the
afternoon and hit some trails. However, without a sign promoting the town’s
recreation opportunities, tourists simply drive by the town.”
Why is
putting a simple sign on I-95 an issue? According to a state law, in order to
have signage, it is required (among other standards) that: “A geographical area
contains at least 15 of the 19 activities/attractions determined by [attachment
to state law]…..” Basically, the Island Falls exit on I-95 does not meet the
standards of placing a sign to advertise their recreational opportunities, and
thus, also providing economic development to their businesses.
“Can we
take a closer look at this and find a way to help this small community?”
Senator Diamond and Chair of the Transportation Committee asked the Maine
Department of Transportation representative. She agreed that she would do her
best, under state law, to help this small-town Maine community.
What did
I learn this time around? Details – there are so many details our legislators
must consider. There are certain restraints placed by laws already established
that not necessarily fit all the needs of Maine communities (while supporting
other important issues – such as the beauty of Maine.) Details. So many
details.
The next
time someone states to me their disappointment or dismay about the legislative
process, I will question how much they have sought to understand the details.
I have
two more shadowing adventures coming my way in late April and early May with
both Rep. Patrick Corey and Senator Bill Diamond. I’m told that’s when major
bill making processes occur. “It will be really exciting,” the representative
and senator both told me.
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